Mo. Teen Reported Missing Held as Sex Slave Escapes Three Years Later

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ST. LOUIS — A teenager reported missing nearly three years ago escaped with the help of a relative from a home where she was reportedly held as a sex slave. According to KTVI, during her captivity the now 19-year-old woman became pregnant by her captor and gave birth to a boy who is now two years old.

In April 2010, St. Louis, Mo., police declared the teen a missing runaway juvenile. She was 15 at the time of her disappearance.

On Thursday, authorities raided the home where the woman was held and arrested a 25-year-old man. Washington Park Police Chief David Clark said it appears the man’s mother assisted in keeping the girl hidden against her will.

The teen told police she was beaten and raped on a regular basis. One neighbor said she would see the girl from time to time but never thought there was reason for concern.

“I used to see her from time to time coming out of the house, but I didn’t know any strange activity was going on like that because you never think they’d be right next door to your house,” said Lakeitha Smith, neighbor.